Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

• 

  Not what hoped for from a Honda - 2013 Honda Civic
  By thintz - May 13 - 9:57 pm

  Bought new for daughter. FIRST ONE- Had to pull transmission at 162 miles. Gave me a new one and many small items. Scratch in dash. Dimples on back side of steering wheel, right where you grab the wheel to turn it ( looks like poor molding/manufacturing). Have never had the day(s)where I was like...love the car due to too many items. Wish had cash back.

• 

  Good first car, amazing mpg, uncomfortable, struggles sometimes. - 2010 Honda Civic
  By heyimcameron - May 9 - 12:25 am

  Great mpg and easy to drive but the seats are extremely uncomfortable (lower back) after sitting for more than 30 mins.

• 

  Basic down to earth hybrid - 2011 Honda Insight
  By readykilowatt - May 8 - 10:04 am

  We have owned our 2010 insight for three years and have 37,000 miles on it. The professional reviews are right in that it is a lot like the early Japanese cars that were on the market in the 70s which were very reliable but very basic in design. If you want a reliable small cars for commuting back and forth, it is a great purchase. We use it to go back and forth to town and it gets us about 50 mpg as it seems to love going about 50 mph. Yes it rides a little hard and is short on sound insulation but for what we use it for, its ideal. I wouldnt use it for a long drive though. Well be passing it on to the children and probably getting another the last year of production.

• 

  The new Honda Quality sadly - 2008 Honda Odyssey
  By homersodysey08 - May 6 - 5:22 pm

  I have had a few significant problems. First is was the soft break pedal which was a known technical service problem "fixed" by applying silicone to the known leak. At 9K mi transmission quit. They tried to blame me. They said they could find out what I had done for $180/hour. Needed my car so 2 days later they found a loose wire connector re-connected it "under warranty". Shortly beyond the 36 mo warranty (13K mi) again a soft to the floor brake pedal. I found the original TSB for the brakes and insisted they perform that "fix"a new VSA stability module I paid $400 for the part. Now they say soft is normal but I just got a recall notice for a brake defect, they got caught 5 yrs later

• 

  2014 EX - rattling sounds are driving me crazy! - 2014 Honda Accord
  By pebbycree - April 25 - 2:14 pm

  The vehicle is about 5 months old with a little over 4000 miles. About to take it back for the 4th time for rattling/ticking noises in the cabin. Dealer has looked at the dashboard, passenger door, center console. Now the glove box door is making a ticking noise. The night shift mustve assembled this vehicle. Drivetrain works well, and love the passenger side camera. About what Id expect from a $24,000 car....except for the ticking noise. Went from a 2000 Toyota Avalon to the 2014 Accord. The Avalon, with 232,000 miles, was quieter than this vehicle. Prefer driving my daughters 2006 Mazda so that I can avoid the ticking noise in the Accord.

• 

  Dont buy this SUV - 2010 Honda Pilot
  By carmom11 - April 24 - 2:18 pm

  If you want to be left on the side of the road waiting for a tow, purchase this SUV. The first time the engine misfired and broke down the truck was 3 months old. We thought nothing of it, but the 2nd time it was 3 years old so we investigated and found out about the class actions suite. (Google Honda Pilot class action suite misfire) Nothing like being on a road trip to the north for Christmas fully packed with a baby and a small child and breaking down in rural PA. After the truck was repaired and Christmas was over I drove it straight to a Ford dealer and traded it for new Explorer. I will never purchase another Honda.

• 

  Great Car, pooly made AC & zero customer support - 2004 Honda CR-V
  By teriyakiboy - April 22 - 8:48 pm

  I love my CR-V, this is true utility minded vehicle, which majority of todays SUV are lacking. Hence I baby my car. Unfortunately, I was unaware of the TSB on AC and class action that Honda settled in 2012 for $40M. It was a true wake up call when the compressor exploded, sending pieces of metals throughout the AC system, causing $4500+ damage. Honda America denied everything about the AC and compressor issues, calling internet info "competitors lie", case action is "untrue", and they even went in extent to tell me that I was first person to report the problem. Im royal to the local dealer, but Im no longer royal to Honda brand.

• 

  Just OK - 2014 Honda Pilot
  By driftma - April 8 - 1:49 pm

  Was looking at 3 row SUVs to fit the new twins and the dog. Decided on the Pilot over the CX-9 because of cost and dealership. For utility and storage and seating, the Pilot is great. However I feel it lags when it comes to acceleration, even compared to our 2012 CRV. It definitely drives like a truck. Having a little regret because I only use it to drive the whole family once every couple of weeks. Would rather have something more fun to drive. Im also finding the seat even with all its adjustments, difficult to find the right position as of yet (1 month).

• 

  Good Car - 1999 Honda Civic
  By stevie11 - March 27 - 11:47 am

  I have used this car for a commuter car and put over 100k on it in the last 3 years. It now has 210k on it, it has been bullet proof. A couple minor things go wrong but for a 13 year old vehicle you cant beat it.

• 

  BORING, desperately boring - 2011 Honda Accord
  By gangofme - March 26 - 12:32 pm

  I have never questioned the reliability and build quality of Honda cars. This is my third. But I need out of it. Im getting too old to think the rest of my life will be spent wondering if ill be able to merge onto Texas highway traffic, and having cars behind me wishing Id install a supercharger on this slothful, well-built family car. The aftermarket doesnt exist for this car. Know why? Because you need to start with a realistic platform to even think about buying more performance! If youre retired, or maybe wanting a slow safe car for your teen, this car is for you. If you like to drive, not so much.